Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Wyoming
There’s plenty of room to roam—and stay a while—in Wyoming’s wide-open wilderness. It’s not just the scenery, though that’s a big part of it. It’s the space. The time together. The simple joy of cooking over an open fire or watching the moonlight on the lake.
If you’re thinking about a camping trip in Wyoming this summer, this guide covers all the basics—where to go, how to prepare, how to stay safe and a few ideas for making the most of your time in our great outdoors.
Why Camp in Wyoming?
The Wyoming camping landscape is vast and varied. You’ll find everything from full-hookup RV parks to dispersed sites deep in the woods. Some campgrounds are minutes from towns with bathrooms, picnic tables and nearby restaurants, while others have only trees as neighbors. While some campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, all Wyoming State Park campsites can be reserved in advance through the Wyoming State Parks reservation system, along with sites offered by other concessionaires.
If you’re looking for something unique, consider the treehouse at Keyhole State Park or a fire lookout tower near Laramie. Prefer a little luxury? Outfitters like Glamping Jackson Hole and Wind River Basin Campground offer elevated camping experiences with a few extra comforts.
Bringing little ones along? There are plenty of family camping options. Curt Gowdy State Park offers kid-friendly trails and calm waters for paddling and Terry Bison Ranch adds a little extra excitement with train and pony rides.
Planning & Booking Your Adventure
Whatever your camping style, a little planning goes a long way. Some sites book out months in advance, especially in national parks. Others are available only by walk-up but fill by 8:00 or 9:00 am during peak season. Late June through early September is the most reliable camping window, though some lower-elevation sites are accessible earlier. High-mountain areas like the Winds or Brooks Lake won’t fully open up until mid or late summer.
Reservations are available at many campgrounds and cabins but are not accepted everywhere. Popular sites like Jenny Lake or yurts at Sinks Canyon fill early, so book as far ahead as possible!
Packing List
Having the right gear can make all the difference. From essential safety items to comforts that elevate your adventure, here’s everything you’ll need for a memorable trip.
Camping Essentials
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Clothing: Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, extra socks, gloves and a hat.
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Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
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Food & Water: Plenty of drinking water or a filtration system, snacks and bear-safe food storage.
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First Aid & Personal Care: First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, pain relievers, personal meds), sunscreen, bug spray and quick-dry towel.
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Camping Gear: Tent or shelter, sleeping bag, pad, camp stove, fuel, matches or lighter, trash bags and a multi-tool.
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Navigation & Lighting: Headlamp/flashlight (with extra batteries), paper maps or GPS, and a camera or phone with offline maps.
Experience Elevators
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Wildlife, Scenery & Stars: Binoculars for wildlife watching and a star chart or app for stargazing.
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Relaxation Gear: Comfortable camp chairs, a cozy blanket for the fire and a lightweight hammock for lounging.
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Culinary Comforts: Portable coffee maker or French press for your morning brew, campfire cooking tools and a folding table for food prep and dining.
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Creative Pursuits: Journal or sketchbook for capturing the moment, a lightweight camera for snapping memories and a local trail guidebook for discovering new routes.
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Game & Entertainment: Playing cards, books or e-books and a portable speaker.
Camping Safety Dos and Don’ts
Camping in Wyoming’s wild and wide-open landscapes is something special, but it requires a bit of extra preparation. With unpredictable weather, remote locations and wildlife in the mix, it’s important to be well informed to stay safe. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you set up camp:
Do
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Bring plenty of water or a water filtration system — many remote campgrounds do not have potable water, and higher elevations mean you’ll need to stay hydrated more than usual.
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Store food properly. Use bear boxes or hang your food in bear country, and never leave food in your tent.
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Follow fire restrictions. Check local conditions and always extinguish your campfire completely.
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Check the weather and trail conditions before you go. Roads and trails change quickly with rain or snow.
Don't
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Don’t assume you’ll always have cell service. Download maps ahead of time or bring a GPS device.
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Don’t approach animals. You’ll likely spot some incredible wildlife, but for their safety and yours, never approach or feed them.
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Don’t forget layers! Even in summer, mountain nights can dip below freezing.
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Don’t leave trash behind.
Best Camping in Wyoming by Region
Here’s a look at some of the top camping spots across the state, grouped by region. Discover experiences from family-friendly campgrounds to scenic, off-the-beaten-path gems.
Northwest Wyoming: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & More
At the base of the Teton Range, Jenny Lake Campground offers access to crystal-clear waters and scenic hiking trails. This tent-only campground operates on a reservation basis, and sites are known to fill up quickly due to its popularity. Nearby hiking and water activities are major draws, and stargazing here is excellent.
Mammoth Campground is the only Yellowstone campground open year-round. Set near the historic Fort Yellowstone area, it offers easy access to geothermal features, scenic hiking trails and fishing spots. Scattered juniper and Douglas fir trees provide shade in the summer, and it’s not uncommon to see elk or bison wandering through the area.
Just an hour from Yellowstone’s east entrance, Cody KOA is the ideal spot for rodeo action, rich history and outdoor fun. Spend the evening at the Cody Nite Rodeo, visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or take a scenic drive into Yellowstone. The campground offers spacious RV sites with full hookups, cozy Camping Cabins and Deluxe Cabins with full bathrooms and kitchens.
Located in Thermopolis, Wyoming, home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs, Eagle RV Park offers a relaxing stay with shaded 30/50 amp pull-thru RV sites that include full hookups. There are grassy, shaded tent sites or the option of staying in one of the rustic log camping cabins. Enjoy the children’s playground, horseshoes and plenty of outdoor activities nearby.
Perched above the Horseshoe Bend Marina and picnic area, the 48 campsites at Horseshoe Bend Campground are surrounded by sagebrush and juniper woodlands. The sites offer stunning views of Bighorn Lake and the red sandstone cliffs of Sykes Mountain.
Located in the Beartooth Range, Lily Lake offers a quiet, low-key camping experience. Anglers love this spot for its excellent trout fishing, and boaters can enjoy the calm waters of the lake. While off the beaten path, it’s still relatively accessible and doesn’t require a reservation. Stargazing is a standout feature of this remote area.
At an elevation of 9,200 feet, Brooks Lake Campground features 13 sites dotted around the picturesque Brooks Lake. The area is a gateway to the Washakie Wilderness, offering trails that lead to numerous mountain lakes. This is a popular jumping-off point for day hikes, fishing trips and photography.
Northeast Wyoming: Bighorn National Forest, Devils Tower & Beyond
Positioned along the Bighorn Scenic Byway, Sibley Lake Campground features 25 sites, 15 of which offer electric hook-ups. The nearby lake is perfect for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Given its elevation of 7,900 feet, campers should be prepared for cooler nighttime temperatures. Reservations can be made in advance, ensuring a spot during the busy season.
For those seeking an off-the-grid retreat, the Muddy Guard Cabin, built in the 1930s, is a historic log structure with simple comforts, including a kitchen, two bedrooms and a wood stove for heat. Staying here feels like stepping back into the early days of forest service life. Access is part of the adventure—you’ll need to hike, snowshoe or ski the final 200 yards to reach the cabin.
Devils Tower KOA
Set at the base of the iconic Devils Tower, this KOA campground is steeped in pop culture and legend. Campers can watch nightly screenings of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," which was filmed on-site or explore the nearby sacred Native American site. Full hook-up RV sites, tent spots and cabins are available.
Sundance Campground & Trailhead
Designed for horseback riders, this campground features six open corrals and two eight-horse stalls, with direct access to the Sundance Trail System. It’s perfect for equestrian travelers looking to ride and rest in scenic surroundings.
Southeast Wyoming: Medicine Bow National Forest, Cheyenne & Laramie
This state park is a favorite for families and first-time campers. Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, it features three reservoirs and scenic hiking and biking trails. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, and the stone formations throughout the park create many photogenic angles. Water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding, are popular in the reservoirs.
Perched at nearly 10,000 feet in the Medicine Bow National Forest, this is a truly unique stay in a renovated fire lookout. The cabin includes two single beds, a propane stove and lighting, but guests must bring all their own supplies—and be ready for a steep climb to the top. Reservations are required well in advance, and for good reason: sunrises and stargazing from the tower are truly unforgettable.
This small campground offers 28 sites nestled among massive granite boulders, making it a favorite among climbers and nature lovers. While there’s no potable water supplied, the campground does provide fire rings, picnic tables and vault toilets. A nearby nature trail and excellent climbing routes make it a great base camp for adventure.
Glendo Lakeside RV Park
Just minutes from the Bennett Hill boat ramp at Glendo State Park, this RV park is tailor-made for boaters and anglers. Spacious sites can accommodate RVs and trailers with room to spare for watercraft. The lake offers easy access to boating, water skiing and fishing, with rentals available nearby.
Southwest Wyoming
Stateline Cove Campground
Located on the sandy shores of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, this campground offers striking red-rock cliffs, expansive lake views and some of the most beautiful and scenic wilderness and wildlife areas in the country. Drive to the nearby Red Canyon Overlook for an unforgettable sunrise or sunset.
Sinks Canyon State Park offers excellent camping, whether in a tent, camper or one of the four reservable yurts in the Pogo Agie campground. The yurts are available year-round and easy to access by car during warmer months, with two wheelchair-accessible options. Yurt 4 is perfect for larger groups, accommodating up to 10 people.
Camping at the Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area Campground offers an adventurous weekend surrounded by stunning sand dunes. The free campground spans the entire area with no designated sites, so it’s first-come, first-served. Access is via dirt roads, which add to the rugged charm, though springtime grading can make it a bit tricky for larger campers.
Hams Fork Campground is a great home base, just a short drive from Big Spring and Hobble Creek, offering excellent fishing opportunities. It’s right off the Big Spring Scenic Backway, next to the willow-lined Hams Fork River. This area is perfect for moose viewing and offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
New Fork Group Campground is right on the river, making it a perfect spot for putting in and taking out during river trips. Located just 24 miles north of Pinedale, the campground has large picnic tables, BBQ stands, a fire ring and a double vault toilet, ideal for big groups. A short hike takes you to New Fork Lake, where you can enjoy boating, canoeing and swimming.
Plan Your Camping Trip
Ready to experience Wyoming’s wild beauty up close? Download our Free Wyoming Travel Guide for even more inspiration, tips and only in Wyoming experiences. All that’s left to do is to pick your campground, pack your bags and let the adventure begin.
